The Gathering and tourism promotion
Senator Leyden seeks an autumn debate on The Gathering’s success and tourism policy, citing local events and unnecessary regulatory barriers. Brief congratulations and procedural exchanges about Senator Gilroy’s book launch are absorbed into the discussion.
I ask the Leader, Senator Maurice Cummins, to consider having a debate in the autumn to assess the phenomenal success of The Gathering, which is being promoted by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Michael Ring, the Minister, Deputy Leo Varadkar, and Jim Miley, who is the organiser and chairman of the committee. Events have been held during the summer throughout Ireland and they will continue into the autumn. In my parish of Fuerty-Castlecoote, a very successful gathering was held last weekend of three schools that had been amalgamated into one, which was attended by all the families. It was a wonderful weekend. It was commercially successful for the area, and great community spirit was shown. I congratulate all involved, including the chairperson, the committee members and all the volunteers who worked over the entire weekend. It was real community spirit in Castlecoote, the most beautiful town in Ireland. We would like to discuss with the Minister in a debate in the autumn what will happen next year and beyond.
Senator Ó Murchú referred to the phenomenally important year of 2016, which will mark 100 years since the Easter Rising. Events will be held in every town and village in Ireland to commemorate that successful, courageous event in 1916.
I will suggest to the Minister at that stage that the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, be appointed to eliminate red tape in this country. We should try to create jobs and not to be inhibited by the type of red tape with which we are faced. I will give the Leader one example.
Last weekend, we wanted to have a barn dance in the village and we could not have it without a licence to dance. In Ireland, it is like getting a licence to drink Guinness.
Comment on this
We are known for dancing at the crossroads, but the crossroads dance today is illegal because of the red tape. That is a minor example of what is happening. Another example concerns legislation introduced some years ago about having children in hotels during the summer. In any other country in the world, such as Spain, it is different. If there were some way of dispensing with details over the course of June to September, it would enhance the economy.
Comment on this
In the autumn, when people can assess the success of The Gathering, which has been successful to date, we can look to the future. Tourism is one of the most important businesses in the country and it can create hundreds of thousands of jobs in property development. I compliment the Minister.
Comment on this
I join colleagues in wishing Senator John Gilroy every success with his book launch this evening. I hope sales will take off. I am looking forward to obtaining a copy and reading it.
Comment on this
Obviously, yes, that goes without saying. I genuinely wish him well and have discussed it with him already. I will discuss something with the Cathaoirleach in which he might be interested.